Introduction

NavKid is simple to use. There’s (1) a button for the Main Menu (☰), and (2) a button to interact with a specific location in the center of the map (⋮).

You can also (3) tap the map to see if there is more information, such as:

Ships nearby;
Bridges with telephone numbers and operating times;
Favorites (personal, saved places with special meaning);
Via points to re-route a trip.

Normally, NavKid follows your GPS unless you drag the map or do something else.

The color coding used for buttons is:

Black for normal sailing and following the GPS
Blue when you drag the map and, for example, search for something or browse through search results
Red when following a route
Green when you want to follow another ship on your screen (you can also stream this to a large TV on most phones)

1. Main Menu Button

The main menu is used to access settings, or to find specific help.

2. Location menu button

This button always shows where you are (center of the displayed map, black), or where you’re dragging the map (blue). Clicking it allows you to do something with that location, such as plan a route there or save it as a favorite.

Make sure the cross is in the middle exactly where you want to use it.

As soon as you drag the map, you will also see a magnifying glass appear at the bottom left, which you can use to search by typing in text.

Clicking the bottom blue button (FOLLOW GPS) will take you back to the normal tracking screen and the buttons will turn black.

3. Tap the map

When you tap on the map and there are relevant things to display, such as ships, bridge information or other things, you will get a dropdown menu that gives you some detailed options.

Scenarios

A. You’re on board and you want to go somewhere: most common

Use the search function (drag the map, then select the magnifying glass at the bottom left).
If there are more search results, use the [<] and [>] buttons to move through the list, the map will follow.
Or drag the map directly to the destination. Make sure the cross is positioned exactly on your destination.
Select the top button, then “Plan route”.
Let’s set sail!

Tip : Once you’re sailing at your desired cruising speed, tap your speed and select “Use current speed as cruising speed.” This will give the app a much better idea of your arrival time.

B. You are at home and want to prepare a route in advance: preparation

Use the search function or drag the map to your desired starting point.
Tap the top button and select “Start as starting point.” The app will use this point as your starting point, as if you were already there.
Continue as scenario A: choose your destination.
You can also set a departure date and time. To do so, click the time in the bottom left corner and select your departure time.

C. You have a route and you want to know what time you will arrive at a bridge or lock

There are two ways.

Drag the map to the bridge or lock. You’ll then see the name of the bridge and the canal at the top of the screen, as well as the arrival time at the bridge or lock. This works anywhere as long as you stay close to the route.
Click on your arrival time in the bottom right corner. This will show you a list of arrival times for all locks and bridges along the way.

D. I always want the map with the north up, not upside down

Tap the bottom button (☰) to open the main menu. If necessary, first tap the blue FOLLOW GPS icon.
Select Settings.
Select Map View.
Select “Map rotates with direction.” Now the map won’t rotate.

E. I want to receive a warning when a police boat is nearby

Tip : This requires internet access.

Go to Settings via ☰ Main Menu.
Select Location and usage data
Select Share Location and set it to On. You’ll now receive the locations of other ships.
Go back to the Main Menu and select Friends
Select Add Friend
Enter the exact name of the vessel you want a warning for, for example Zaanstad II (upper or lower case does not matter).
Now select the “friend” from the list.
There may be more ships with the same name. If you know the MMSI number, you can enter it as well, so there’s no chance of confusion.
Choose the type of friend (a real friend or a ship you don’t like).
If desired, specify the desired warning distance.
Done! Now, whenever the boat is nearby, you’ll receive a warning in the bottom right corner. Tap it to see where the boat is located.

F. I am in an area where route planning is not possible, but I still want to use navigation

Choose the destination as in scenario A or B. Do not plan a route yet.
Tap the top button and choose “Aim for this target”.
You now get a blue line straight to your destination.
Make sure you are sailing at your set cruising speed or tap your speed and choose “Use current speed as cruising speed”.
Now you see the distance to be covered and the arrival time at the bottom right of the screen.

Pro tips

To tilt the map (“bird’s-eye view”), do this. Use two fingers and swipe the map down. Sometimes you’ll need to do this twice in succession. The map will now tilt so you have a better view of the route ahead.
What do the two icons + and ✓ next to the battery icon mean? The + means your phone or tablet is connected to a power source, and the ✓ means you have an internet connection.
You can access the Sailing Regulations (mandatory for some boats) by going to Help in the main menu and then selecting BPR Sailing Regulations (this requires an internet connection). This way, you don’t need to bring an almanac or other book.

Short manual NavKid App